Archive for the ‘Pauline epistles--BibleTrekToday’ Category

Scripture reading for October 9th: 1st Thessalonians 1:1-2:8

“Grace and peace to you.  We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.   We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, you labor prompted by love, and you endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1st Thessalonians 1:1b-3)  Paul spent much of his time praying for the various churches that he founded.  He always found something to thank God for concerning the church.  The Thessalonian church was commended for their faith and works based on faith.

These believers had eagerly received and applied the Gospel message in their lives and according to Paul, were a model to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia.  (1st Thessalonians 1:7-8) In fact, many reports of the Thessalonians faith had come to Paul from other Christians there.  “They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead–Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.” (1st Thessalonians 1:9b-10)

The Thessalonians were about fifty miles from the site of Mount Olympus in Greece.  The Greek gods said to reside there were many and powerful.  They were a big part of the culture of the country and were popular.  These believers turned from these idols to the living and true God.  Not only that, they chose to wait for the revelation of Jesus Christ from heaven.  Jesus was raised from the dead and coming back for those waiting for Him.  These Thessalonians simply trusted in Christ and the teaching of the second coming.  They chose to believe that when Christ came back, he would pour out wrath on sin and sinner.  This fear of God was a healthy motivator to live in patient expectation.

“We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the Gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.”  (1st Thessalonians 2:8) The child-like faith of these people had touched Paul’s heart.  They were such faithful and sincere believers that Paul wanted to share his life with them.  The Gospel works best when love is flowing from the preacher as well as the people.  Our living God is a God of love and will win out over all idols if given a chance!

Scripture reading for October 8th: Colossians 3:18-4:18

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17)  This Scripture is a summary of how Christ living in us should transform our lives.  This kind of living can only come from a life of prayer and intimate contact with God Himself.  We must be filled with the Holy Spirit and love of God daily and this will be reflected practically in how we live at home and at work.

Paul’s instruction to this company of “holy and faithful brothers” included again practical advice on getting along in the home and workplace.  Wives were told to submit to God’s order in the home because of God’s design.  Husbands were reminded to love their wives and not be harsh with them.  Children were told to please the Lord by obedience to parents.  Fathers were again reminded to be gentle towards their children.  Employees were encouraged to work for their employers as unto the Lord and expect a reward from God for doing that.  Masters should treat employees fairly.  God will show no favorites.  (Colossians 3:18-25)

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.  And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.  Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.” (Colossians 4:2-4)   As we pray, we put our focus on the unseen world of God’s throne and He makes us aware of dangers as well as opportunities.  We sense God’s heart and begin to want what He wants.

As Paul told these believers to devote themselves to prayer, he asked for prayer himself.  He was in chains in a Roman prison, but he did not ask for a deliverance.  Instead he asked for open doors for ministry of the Gospel of Christ.  He knew that without prayer, ministry would not happen.  He asked for boldness and clarity of speech to know how to present the message to each open heart.  His focus was not on himself, but on Christ’s call and purpose that  he longed to complete.

May the Lord help each of us to be devoted to prayer.  If we lived a life of prayer, we would find more opportunities to fulfill our calling!

Scripture reading for October 7th: Colossians 3:1-17

True Christian thinking involves identification with Christ in His resurrection.  Not only have we died with Christ, been buried with Christ, but we are raised up with Christ! (Galatians 2:20)  Christ also ascended to sit at the right hand of the Father and we have been raised to identify with Christ in glory!  The Holy Spirit is the Gift of the Father who enables us to identify with Christ and be transformed to be like Him. (Ephesians 1:13-14)

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4) Christ is also coming again.  When He appears, we will also appear with Him!  This is how we should now think as new creations in Christ.  We have the fullness of Christ given to us and can expect and think on the eternal but very real truths that Christ taught.  (Colossians 2:9-10)

As we change our focus from this life to Christ’s life, we begin to put off the things of our earthly nature that displease God and cause trouble with others.  Our focus is now on pleasing Christ and preparing to meet Him instead of ourselves and our fleshly desires.  All the old ways of immorality, lust, greed and idolatry were put to death on the cross so we put them out of our lives.  In their place, we put on the new self, “which is being renewed in the knowledge and image of the Creator.” (Colossians 3:10)  Christ becomes our new identity.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you have have against one another.  . .Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of on body you were called to peace.  And be thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. . .” (Colossians 3:12-16a)  Christ’s life produces identity and purpose in our lives.  We have a calling to live  in Christ’s peace of forgiven sins.  What a gift to thank God for every day!

Scripture reading for October 6th: Colossians 2:8-23

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:8)   Paul’s straight-forward warning to these believers is also for us today.  Our western world is full of hollow and deceptive philosophy, often taught in the church!  Examples might include  ‘positive thinking’, ‘God wants you rich’, ‘keep these rules’, or ‘there are many ways to be saved’.

“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head  over every power and authority.  In Him, you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not  with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with  Him in baptism and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead.” (Colossians 2:9-12)  Believers have all they need in Christ alone!  In Him we have been given fullness of salvation.  Christ is head over all power and authority in heaven and on earth.  He circumcised us internally as we placed our faith in His sacrifice through the cross.

The false teachers were trying to get these believers to keep certain religious festivals and go through certain rituals like circumcision.  They were being told that what they ate or didn’t eat made them holy.  These were probably the Jewish dietary laws.  Paul told them that these were only a shadow of the reality that they had in Christ Himself.  (Colossians 2:17)  These have the appearance of wisdom but are of no value in restraining sensual indulgence!  (Colossians 2:20-23)

Another aspect of these false teachers was supernatural visions and contact with angels.  They used these visions to distract the believers from Christ and take them another direction.  I believe that the church today must be discerning about those who claim to be prophets and use supernatural experiences to attract a crowd.  Not all who come in the name of Christ are really of Him.  In Christ alone and His holy word do we have safety and salvation.  Test everything by the Spirit and Word.  Pray for a knowledge of God’s will in all wisdom and discernment!  Don’t worry, God will keep you safe!

Scripture reading for October 5th: Colossians 1:20-2:7

The Colossians came from a Gentile background.  They were alienated from God because of their lack of understanding about Him and His holy character.  Paul came to them and preached the Gospel of Christ.  It was through Christ’s death on the cross, burial and resurrection that these Gentiles had been reconciled to God.  Through faith they had been washed of their sins and made holy and blameless in Christ’s sight.  (Colossians 1:21-23)

Paul told these believers that he was a servant of the Gospel.  Christ had commissioned him to present them with the word of God in its fullness.  Paul was glad to do this, even suffering for the sake of the church like Christ Himself did.   “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” (Colossians 1:27-28)  The Gospel is good news for all mankind!  It is a simple message that reveals Christ as the Son of God and Savior of men.  Those who trust in Him receive the gift of Christ living in them by the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit is the hope of our future glorification!

Paul wanted no one to perish, but all to be complete in Christ.  He wrote and taught about Christ and struggled in prayer for believers because he had the heart of God for them.  God wanted them all complete in Christ as well.  But their were other voices competing for the attention of these believers.  The false teachers had some slick arguments and enticing stories that could deceive those ignorant of the Truth.

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” They must grow in their relationship with Christ and become deeply connected with Him through the word and prayer, staying true to the basic teachings of Christ with thankful hearts.  This is sound advice for each of us today.  Many leave the faith to follow other ways that sound good but lead them astray.  The mystery is simple:  Christ in you, the hope of glory!

Scripture reading for October 4th: Colossians 1:1-19

The Colossian Church was under attack by false teachers.  These teachers were promoting religious rituals and were using mystical techniques to move the church members away from Christ and His holiness.  It all seemed good on the surface, but it was not of God or Christ or from the Holy Spirit!

“To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse:  Grace and peace to you from God our Father.  We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints–the faith and love that spring from hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the Gospel that has come to you.” (Colossians 1:2-6a)   Paul addressed the ‘holy and faithful brothers’ at Colosse.  There was evidently a faithful remnant who were truly saved and filled with the love of Christ.  Paul told them that he was praying for them with thanksgiving for the work of Christ in them.  The Gospel of Christ always produces fruit of love and faith in those that receive it.

“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.  And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord, and may please Him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you might have great endurance and patience. . .” (Colossians 1:9-11)

I love Paul’s prayers and have often prayed this prayer for myself and others.  Paul knew that the best way to love these believers was through prayer.  God would give them knowledge of His will as he prayed for them.  Paul’s goal was to have them please God, living a life of good works that would bear fruit.  The best way to keep them from the false teachers was to pray that the Truth would flood their souls!  Why not take time today to pray this prayer for yourself or a loved one?  It’s a good way to stay ‘holy and faithful’!

Scripture reading for October 3rd: Philippians 4:1-23

Paul’s letter from prison was full of encouragement to these Philippian saints, but one of the only corrections in this letter occurs here when Paul calls two ladies to come into agreement.  Euodia and Syntyche were evidently at odds in some dispute.  They were in need of help to settle the matter and move on.  They had much better things to do that be in strife!

“Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but  in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)  A cure for strife is found in rejoicing in the Lord!  When we rejoice, our attitude lightens up and the troubles seem to melt.  Gentleness should mark believers when they deal with problems between each other.  Prayer and petitions about the problems should be given to God.  A thankful heart is full of faith and God honors that!  His peace will come over you and the problems will melt away!

After praying, setting our minds of the good things of God also helps.  Paul was himself rejoicing in the Philippians concern for him expressed in their gifts.  Paul had learned the secret of contentment in all circumstances–rejoicing in God’s goodness!  “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” (Philippians 4:13)  God always gave him grace to enjoy or endure!

Paul thanked the Philippians for helping him with an offering to meet his needs.  Paul described their offering:  “They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.  And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” God always rewards generous giving.  Our offerings are like a fragrant sacrifice going up to God.  God is pleased and we can be sure we will be blessed!  Rejoice in the Lord!  And again I say: Rejoice!

Scripture reading for October 2nd: Philippians 3:4-21

Paul liked to use the analogy of a runner in a race.  Runners had to keep focused on the  finish line.  They couldn’t be looking back but needed to be moving forward, even straining to win the prize.  Good runners run to win!  The Christian race is similar to a race and the prize is eternal life in Christ Jesus!

Paul used to boast about all of his credentials and accomplishments in an effort to become a good Jew.  He was a Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee from the tribe of Benjamin.  He was taught in the law and was so zealous for his religion that he persecuted the church of Jesus Christ.  But Paul considered all his accomplishments as rubbish for the wonderful privilege of knowing Jesus Christ.  (Philippians 3:7-8)  He entered the race to know Christ on the Damascus Road and once his eyes were opened, he never looked back!

“That I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ–the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.  I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His suffering, becoming like Him in His death, and, so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” (Philippians 3:8b-11)   Paul learned that all his works could not earn righteousness.  It was a gift of God’s grace that came by faith in Christ.  Paul got to see Christ, but he wanted to know Him in a more intimate way.  He knew that the message of Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection had the power to reveal Christ in him and others.

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. . . .But this one thing I do:  Forgetting what  is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14)  Paul is near the end of his life and his attitude is one of focused faith on receiving the prize of eternal life with Christ.  He is not looking back, but straining forward!  May we be so focused!

Scripture reading for October 1st: Philippians 2:19-3:3

“Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord!  It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.” Philippians 3:1

Paul is writing this letter to the Philippians from jail.  He is there suffering for preaching the Gospel and is not sure whether this imprisonment is temporary or will lead to his death.  As he waits on the Lord, he fills his time writing to the churches he founded encouraging them to stay faithful to Christ and the Gospel.  This message was a repetition of his preaching and teaching earlier.

He encouraged these saints to rejoice in the Lord!  God is faithful to His word and to His people!  We can count on God using everything for good to those who love Him.  He started the good work in the Philippians and will continue it until the Day of Christ!  (Philippians 1:6)  Even in Paul’s own situation, all that happened to him was working for Christ’s glory!  Even the guard in the palace had opportunity to hear the Gospel because of his imprisonment!  (Philippians 1:12-14)

Paul also reminded the saints that even though false teachers had come and were preaching Christ for gain, that would still advance the cause of Christ!  God’s faithfulness would promote His plans and protect Paul and they could rejoice!  Even if Paul was executed, to die was gain!  (Philippians 1:21, 23)  Departing to be with Christ is far better than living in this life!  These were truths worth repeating to the saints who were themselves suffering.

Paul also repeated the attitude that marked Jesus Christ, encouraging these saints to have a similar attitude.  Jesus humbled Himself and obeyed God, even in the face of the most difficult suffering–the cross!  He was willing to die that we might be saved.  He saw the joy of our salvation by faith and offered His life for us!  (Hebrews 12:2)  Paul also demonstrated that attitude of rejoicing and encouraged the Philippians as well!  (Philippians 2:17-18)

In the world we live in, Christians need repeated encouragement!  Troubles, persecution, and the battle with Satan and our flesh can get us down.  We gather together for the hope and encouragement of the Lord, often repeating the stories and scriptures that call us to trust, obey, and rejoice.  We worship Christ and imitate His attitude of joyful obedience!  Hearing the same Gospel brings hope!

Scripture reading for September 30th: Philippians 1:27-2:18

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.  Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the Gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.  This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved–and that by God.” (Philippians 1:27-28)  Paul wanted these saints to stand firm and live for Christ no matter what happened to him.  There was no need for fear because God had promised to take care of His own.  As they stood in unity without fear, this would be a sign to those who opposed them that God was with them and that they would be destroyed!  God uses some interesting signs!

The ultimate example of faith and trust in the face of suffering was Jesus Christ.  Paul reminded the Philippians to imitate Christ’s attitude. “Who being in the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.  And being found in the appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death–even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:6-7)  We are placed here by God to serve and obey Him.  This was Christ’ attitude and it should be ours!

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence–continue to work out you salvation with fear and trembling,  for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:12-13)   Our obedience is not dependent on pleasing men, but God.  Choices are required each day to cooperate with God in accomplishing His purposes.

Paul was concerned with this churches witness after he was gone.  He did not want them to back off from their commitment to Christ if he was martyred or if they might also be martyred.  He was very aware of the temptations of the culture of that time.  He wanted them to let their lives shine for Christ and continue to reach the lost.  How much like Christ was Paul!  May we imitate our Lord as well!